Vancouver’s best oyster joints

Every oyster lover has their own reason for shelling out for these savoury treats: for some they’re a delicacy, a little bit of a self-indulgent treat, for others, they’re an aphrodisiac. My love of oysters comes from a little stand selling them by the shuck (Kumi’s are the best if you didn’t know) and has grown to an ongoing search for the best spots in Vancouver to enjoy these little and addictive ocean pearls.

By Grace McRae-Okine

Oyster Express

1

296 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X5

• Phone Number
  • 604-684-3300Primary
• Directions

Let’s get one thing straight – oysters are the main focus here. They love oysters but don’t let the name fool you, as there is nothing rushed or express about them. Oyster Express hosts buck-a-shuck specials on certain days of the week, as well as a number of other daily specials. That being said, I have never left without trying at least one of every type that they serve. It’s a small joint that packs a big punch, and definitely the best spot in Vancouver to check out for oysters.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Date night restaurants in Vancouver’s Chinatown
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Finest At Sea Seafood Boutiques Vancouver Ltd

2

1805 Mast Tower Rd, Vancouver, BC V6H 3X7

• Phone Number
  • 604-684-4114Primary
• Directions

Located on Granville Island, Finest at Sea is not a restaurant, though it helps that you can’t forget the source of your addiction! At this seafood store you can grab the oysters by the crate and shuck them yourself. If you’re at the level of appreciation for these beautiful, fishy, scrumptious, God-sent shells from the ocean as I am, this could be the best option for you.

Bao Down Snack Bar

3

221 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2

• Phone Number
  • 604-569-2215Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Cork and Fin serves their oysters in high-to-the-sky dishes that look as good as they taste. The impressive multi-layered towers are helpful if you want to turn a typical date-night into a success. The atmosphere here is the main attraction and staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the varieties of oysters served. Oysters are not the main focus at this Gastown spot, but they definitely get a 10 for the vibe.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Family-style dining in Vancouver
• Outstanding oyster bars in Vancouver
• Dine Out Vancouver Festival: $30 Menus

Chewie's Steam & Oyster Bar

4

2201 1st Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1E9

• Reserve
• Phone Number
  • 604-558-4448Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Okay, so not only does this place serve some good schucks, they also serve Southern food – a cuisine that is criminally underserved in Vancouver. Expect top-cuts of meat and fall-off-the-bone-BBQ along with other New Orleans favorites such as jambalaya, gumbo and bouillabaisse. You can’t go wrong when pairing this amazing food and with fresh oysters (oh, and buck a shuck goes down daily from 3:00 to 6:00 pm!).

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Outstanding seafood restaurants in Vancouver
• Best of Vancouver’s southern cuisine
• Must-try restaurants for seafood in Vancouver

Bistro Pastis

5

2153 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7

• Phone Number
  • 604-731-5020Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Bistro Pastis is a favourite for a casual afternoon on 4th Ave. The vibe is everything that you want it to be for that authentic French feeling: laid-back, expensive and a just a touch condescending, in the best way possible. Popping in for a couple of oysters with a mid-day café au lait is exactly what you need after a lengthy shopping spree at Gravity Pope across the street. Another place where oysters are not the main focus, but are a delicious and a solid contributor to their menu.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Dine Out Vancouver: Romantic date-night restaurants
• Dine Out Vancouver Festival: $40 Menus

More from Grace McRae-Okine

With an addiction to all things internet and a passion for live music, you'll find Grace wherever both the Wi-Fi and the coffee are strong. Her ideal day in Vancouver includes taking in foreign horror films on Netflix, searching for the perfect gin cocktail in Gastown, and nodding along at underground concerts 'till the wee hours. When she isn't hanging out with her Bengal cat Basil, she's promoting shows for Timbre Concerts.

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